CSOs Lambast HURIWA Over Uninformed Narrative Against NPC
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
Two prominent Civil Society Organisations, namely the Save Nigeria Movement (SNM) and the College of Bishops Imams and Clergy Councils (CBICC), have issued a joint statement criticising the recent call made by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) to scrap National Population Commission (NPC).
The CSOs argued that HURIWA’s comments are misguided and fail to recognise the importance of the Commission’s role in gathering accurate population data, which is vital for effective governance, resource allocation, and future planning in the country.
In a press statement, signed by Rev. Solomon Semaka and Bishop Abel Kings, the Convener and National Coordinator of SNM and CBICC respectively, the CSOs expressed their astonishment that a credible organisation like HURIWA has chosen to promote an uninformed narrative against the National Population Commission, even going so far as to accuse the Commission of duplicating the functions of other agencies.
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They said it is highly ignorant of HURIWA to accuse the NPC of duplicating the duties of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), a sister agency that provides limited data for only a few Nigerians, noting NPC was established before NIMC, so it is illogical to claim that the NPC is duplicating the NIMC’s functions.
The CSOs questioned whether HURIWA is accusing the National Assembly and the Presidents who passed and signed the laws establishing both agencies of being unaware of this so-called duplicity of functions.
The groups emphasised that no organisation or individual can compare the data collected by other organisations, such as the NIMC, with the data obtained by the NPC through a proper census exercise.
They cited that voter data is limited to adults who are 18 years and above, while the NIMC maintains a database of Nigerians and issues identity cards to eligible applicants. On the other hand, the NPC is mandated to collate comprehensive individual, demographic, and housing data, including a continuous record of vital events.
The CSOs argued that these distinct agencies cannot duplicate themselves. Even advanced countries like the USA, UK, and France, which maintain strict hospital, electoral, and immigration records, including a functional Social Security system, still conduct periodic censuses.
They further maintained that the NPC’s census exercise provides detailed demographic information crucial for policymaking, urban planning, infrastructure development, and public service provision, stressing that this exercise must not be politicised.
Regarding the current leadership of the Commission, the CSOs acknowledged that it has effectively utilised allocated resources in preparation for a national census, achieving impressive results thus far.
They emphasised that the Commission’s frequent media briefings on funding and its application prove that HURIWA’s call is merely a diversion.
The CSOs contended that without accurate population data, long-term sustainable development is impossible, regardless of the resources available to the federal government.
They highlighted the value of understanding Nigeria’s population distribution, age structure, employment trends, and educational needs, among other census-derived insights, for national development. These benefits should not be measured solely in terms of cost. Based on available records, the CSOs asserted that the Commission has lived up to expectations.
Instead of advocating for the abolition of the NPC, the CSOs urged HURIWA to focus on encouraging the government to enhance the Commission’s efficiency and transparency.
They suggested that the NPC should implement measures to streamline data collection processes, improve data quality, and promote public awareness and participation in the census exercise, once a date is set by the President.
By strengthening the NPC’s capacity, the government can ensure that the census is conducted efficiently and effectively, maximising the benefits derived from the exercise.
The CSOs warned that scrapping the Commission would be detrimental to the country’s progress, undermining effective governance, planning, and resource allocation.
Addressing concerns about NPC’s funding accountability, the CSOs noted that the Commission has provided a breakdown of the funding received thus far, covering over 10 years of preparations since the last census exercise, saying the information is readily available for everyone to see, rendering repeated calls for accountability an attempt to mislead Nigerians.
The CSOs urged the President to fix a date for the census, enabling the positive outcomes to materialize for the nation.
